A: You will be asked to provide some basic information
such as your name, address, age, and so on. A
medical history is taken and then a drop of blood is analyzed and your
pulse, blood pressure and temperature are checked.

Q: How long does the donation take?

A: The procedure is done by a skilled, specially trained
technician and takes 10 to 12 minutes. You will rest after donation, and
enjoy refreshments. Plan to spend about an hour at the blood drive.

Q: How much blood is taken?

A: A unit, which is little less than a pint.

Q: How long will it take to replenish the pint?

A: Blood volume is replaced within 24 hours. Red cells
need about 4 to 8 weeks for complete replacement. You need to wait 56 days
or 8 weeks to donate again.

Q: How will I feel after donation?

A: Most people feel great! Donors who know what to
expect and have eaten regular meals before donating are usually fine. After
donating, drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours.

Q: How soon after donating can I get back to my regular routine?

A: Right away. Just avoid lifting, pushing or picking up
heavy objects for about 4 or 5 hours after giving blood.

Q: What happens to my blood after donating?

A: After donation, your blood will be tested for blood
type, hepatitis, HIV (AIDS antibody), HTLV-1, and syphilis. Then it can be
used either as whole blood for one patient or, after separation into
components (such as red cells, platelets, and plasma) to help several
patients.

Last Modified: January 16, 2014Please forward all questions about this site to:
Patricia Edwards

One of ten national laboratories overseen and primarily funded by the Office of
Science of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Brookhaven National Laboratory
conducts research in the physical, biomedical, and environmental sciences, as
well as in energy technologies and national security. Brookhaven Lab also builds
and operates major scientific facilities available to university, industry and
government researchers. Brookhaven is operated and managed for DOE's Office of
Science by Brookhaven Science Associates, a limited-liability company founded by
the Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony
Brook University, the largest academic user of Laboratory facilities, and Battelle,
a nonprofit, applied science and technology organization.